How does wearing a game worn jersey affect its value?

[swainer]

I'd like to get the opinion of the forum regarding how much wearing a game worn jersey decreases (if any) the value of said jersey. I'm trying to pry one of my holy grail jerseys from a guy I know but he is very reluctant to part with it. The main reason is he loves to wear the jersey to games, out on the town, etc. Presumably he's washed the jersey numerous times as well. So I'd imagine any chance of a photo match was lost in the wash cycle. Being relatively confident the jersey is legit, I still want the jersey. I would think consistently wearing the jersey has to decrease its value somewhat. But how much? 20%? 30%? 50%?

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Peace,

John

[sox83cubs84]

I'd like to get the opinion of the forum regarding how much wearing a game worn jersey decreases (if any) the value of said jersey. I'm trying to pry one of my holy grail jerseys from a guy I know but he is very reluctant to part with it. The main reason is he loves to wear the jersey to games, out on the town, etc. Presumably he's washed the jersey numerous times as well. So I'd imagine any chance of a photo match was lost in the wash cycle. Being relatively confident the jersey is legit, I still want the jersey. I would think consistently wearing the jersey has to decrease its value somewhat. But how much? 20%? 30%? 50%?

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Peace,

John

Unless the jersey were to be permanently stained or damaged, I couldn't care less. However, to a large number of GUU members...maybe even a majority...wearing and washing a game-used jersey is comparable to drawing a moustache and beard on the Mona Lisa.

Dave Miedema

[otismalibu]

Unless he's caused additional wear/damage, I would think the worst scenario is that he washed away some matching marks.

Everyone wants to think their gamer came right off the player's back. Very few have any clues as to the history of their item. And yeah, that's a Dr. J. gamer she's wearing.

[jppopma]

There is a big divide on here when it comes to people wearing gamers. Personally, I don't think it would affect the price unless they did some damage to the jersey or added noticeable wear.

BTW; when dealing with reluctant sellers sometimes you have to go big. Sometimes you need to look past things and overpay when dealing with a grail. Not worth the risk of blowing your chances with a lowball offer and insulting the guy for wearing the jersey around.

[legaleagle92481]

Jon,

I would say it depends on a few factors. Did he stretch the jersey out by wearing it? Did washing it damage it at all? Repeated washings wear down any garment. Did he add any substances to the jersey? I.E. spilled beer or food on it. You obviously need to closely examine the jersey for these and other issues. Assuming the jersey is not damaged at all by the wear I would say not much value should be subtracted. Lets be real absent damage whenever you buy a jersey you cant tell if its been worn by someone other than the player. Whether the wearer be a prior owner or someone in the locker room (I am sure many players kids try on daddy's jerseys all the time)

[flaco1801]

I agree with Dave...its foolish...

[Cubsfan4life]

I have no interest in owning a jersey someone else wore.

[ironmanfan]

I have no interest in owning a jersey someone else wore.

like the player?

[Cubsfan4life]

like the player?

No someone else other than the player is what I meant

[swainer]

Thanks for the responses!

jppopma - I agree. The owner of the jersey and I have completed a few transactions now so we have a very good working relationship. I honestly think he will ask a fair price for it once he (and his kids) are ready to part with it and it will be just as important to him that the jersey has found a "good home" as the price he realizes for the jersey.

leagleeagle - As far as I know, he hasn't added significant damage to the jersey. And to be honest, I don't know how many times he's washed it. It is autographed twice by the player and the autographs appear somewhat strong still so I'm sure he's not washing it every week. That's what I was thinking as well. If he didn't tell me he wears it all of the time, would I have even have known. Probably not.

Dave/Otis - I think we're on the same page. Although I can understand the other side's point of view.

Thanks again guys and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving! My Lions did their part in ensuring my Turkey day was the same as the past 8 even though I'm no longer in Michigan.

Peace,

John